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Klein® Tools Names Six Finalists for the 2013 Electrician of the Year Award

Each finalist will receive an ultimate garage package worth $1,500

December 19, 2013 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools, (http://www.kleintools.com) for professionals since 1857, has named the six finalists for the 2013 Electrician of the Year Award. Each regional winner will take home an “ultimate garage package” that includes a 41-piece tool set, mini-refrigerator, golf bag, bar stools, can insulators, beverage openers and peg board display.

From the six regional winners, one grand prize winner will be chosen in January. In addition to the Klein Ultimate Garage Package, the grand prize winner will receive $2,500 in cash plus $2,500 in new Klein tools.

Region 1 “Northwest”

Chris Morgan, an electrical superintendent for Automation and Electronics in Wyoming, has taken on a number of roles to promote safety in the electrical industry. Some roles have included outreach safety trainer, PEC safe land instructor/trainer and Certified OSHA 10/30 instructor.

Region 2 “West”

Sergio Cortez is an electrician at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas, NV but on evenings and weekends you can find him teaching aspiring electricians for Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). He also has developed and implemented a Spanish language curriculum to help Hispanic apprentices prepare for electrical certification and licensing exams.

Region 3 “Great Lakes”

Jamie Mance, with IBEW local 38 in Cleveland OH, uses his skills as an electrician to give back. He spends every weekend and most nights fixing up houses in programs such as Habitat for Humanity and Purple Heart Homes. Jamie has been responsible for getting contractors and supply houses to donate electrical materials in addition to recruiting 22 electricians to volunteer their time.

Region 4 “South”

Byron Braquet of Lake Charles, LA was an electrician with Triangle Electric when the original owner was diagnosed with terminal cancer. For two years Byron helped run the business. After the owner passed, the business was left to Byron.

Region 5 “Southeast”

Billy Teaford has been an electrician at Roanoke Cement for 40 years and has never had a lost time accident. As the lead man for the electrical department, he’s the guy other electricians and engineers turn to when they need help trouble shooting a problem. In his spare time, he works with Toys for Tots on a program that donates bicycles to children at Christmas.

Region 6 “Northeast”

On April 15, Stephen Shinney, a member of IBEW local 103 and a Journeyman electrician, was headed to the finish line to cheer on a friend running in the Boston Marathon. When the first of two "pressure cooker" bombs ripped through the crowd, Stephen ran to the location of the first blast to help, with total disregard for his own safety.

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Klein is a registered trademark of Klein Tools, Inc.

Since 1857 Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in seven plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.